The government of Japan has decided to grant around USD 2.7 million for protection of refugees in Serbia and FYRMacedonia from cold weather.

The grant will be released through UNHCR activities, the Japanese embassy in Belgrade said in a statement.

The grant is a response to an urgent UNHCR appeal for plans ahead of the winter season amid the refugee crisis, and will be released in the coming months to reception centres in Serbia and FYRMacedonia in the form of heating and other equipment.

The decision to provide the grant was conveyed to UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on November 25 during Guterres's visit to Japan, the statement said.